Lawrence F. DiGiovanna has been the principal of his own law firm since 1980. During this time his practice has focused primarily on real estate, cooperative and condominium transactions and litigation issues related to these areas of law. The firm writes offering plans for conversion of properties to cooperative and condominium ownership. It also represents approximately …

Any real estate investment must be handled with extreme care and attention to detail. These transactions involve many legal technicalities and complicated contracts, which, if poorly managed, can result in legal disputes down the line. At The Law Office of Richard I. Golio, located in White Plains, we represent buyers, sellers and financial institutions in complex real …

Residential Real Estate Attorneys in Riverhead

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Riverhead Residential Real Estate Information

Residential Real Estate

Residential real estate transactions are regulated by state law and can involve a number of issues, such as easements, property lines, known and unknown faults with the home or the land. A home purchase is a contract between buyer and seller so other legal issues may be involved.

Do You Need a Residential Real Estate Lawyer?

Some states require a lawyer to be involved in the sale of a home. But even if your state does not have that requirement, it is still in your best interest to consult a Riverhead residential real estate lawyer. The lawyer can review the sales contract and the deed to prevent a legal issue arising later.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney's hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For "routine" legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff - a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment - A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.

Lead Counsel Rated Attorneys

Lead Counsel's objective process independently verifies attorney records, conferring with state bars across the country and conducting annual reviews to confirm that the attorney practices in the legal categories as indicated, possesses a valid bar license, and is eligible to practice in the specific jurisdiction.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is meant to provide a general overview of the law. The laws in your state and/or city may deviate significantly from those described here. If you have specific questions related to your situation you should speak with a local attorney.